The wand is the most important component of the witch’s toolbox. Serving as an ultimate big book of wands, here is:

The clearest exposition of the names, spirits, and attributes of woods for wands

The clearest explanation of wand anatomy

The most complete explanation of how to access, shape, and channel magical forces from wands

A fresh and useful approach to wands for specific magical practices

A useful guide for a witch to form a partnership with her wand

Based on her deep knowledge of plant science and ethnobotany and years of magical practice, the author examines the uses and benefits of each wand component (primarily woods, shrubs, grasses, vines, and some metals). She also explores their associations to various gods and goddesses, relationships to specific types of magic, and the results a practitioner can expect to achieve. She also includes tips and resources for finding materials, handcrafting, and correspondence charts for easy reference. The final section focuses on the wands used in the “Harry Potter” series.

This is the ultimate guide for witches and pagans everywhere.

My thoughts:

I really didn’t care for the last book that I reviewed by Gypsey Elaine Teague titled Steampunk Magic. (link). If you make a fundamental mistake with major authors in the field, how can I trust the rest of your work? Having said that, I wanted to look at Teague’s The Witch’s Guide to Wands with an open mind. Sadly, I came away with the same lack of trust.

I didn’t like the lack of a Bibliography. When it comes to non-fiction, I don’t think that it is asking much to see the Author’s work. Only two books on plants are mentioned on page 16, is that the extent of the research? Where did the Author’s ideas of the plants magical properties come from? As the lady on the commercial would complain, “where’s the beef?”

I don’t want an answer like I found on page 10, “Rosemary also responds best if it is worked during a lightning storm. I don’t know why, it just does.” I’m sorry but I am not satisfied with the statement — “I don’t know why, it just does’ and neither should anyone else. I really came away with the feeling that Teague was saying this throughout the book — it just does.

Another thing that made me feel odd about the book was the amount of fiction. The book begins and ends with a fictional story of a person shopping for a wand. Teague has a certain knack for fiction but I really don’t see the need to work it into a non-fiction book. She further muddies the water by taking about Harry Potter’s wands. Are we covering fiction or non-fiction?

When push comes to shove, I came away distrusting this book. I really see it as little more than entertainment. I do not recommend it and give it 2 stars out of 5.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Weiser Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

DISCLAIMER

DISCLAIMER
Gnostalgia and Attention Earthlings are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I am not paid for my reviews. - See more at: http://barry-gnostalgia.blogspot.com/